Anita Whittaker

Anita Whittaker is a multifaceted professional whose diverse career spans media, education, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of Innovative Opportunities (I O), a London-based organisation dedicated to creating inclusive, impactful ventures for community growth and positive change. With over 30 years of experience in education and community work, Anita has a proven track record of designing and delivering programmes that address local needs—ranging from youth skills workshops to collaborative projects with businesses and educational institutions.

Early Career and Community Leadership

Anita’s journey began with co-founding a preschool alongside her mother, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to education and community development. Over the years, she has served as a governor, trustee, and chair on various boards, including a homeless charity and a community development initiative. Witnessing gaps in opportunities for young people, Anita used her extensive network and expertise to establish structured approaches for delivering arts, technology, and wellness programmes through I O. Her flagship initiatives, such as the Tech HubLite, Listening Room, and Artisan Creator Maker Space, reflect her ethos of creating fit-for-purpose environments where collaboration and inclusivity thrive.

Anita’s focus extends to neurodiversity, sustainability, and community wellbeing, aiming to provide nurturing spaces for personal and professional growth. She works alongside her husband, Johann, to bridge educational, cultural, and entrepreneurial opportunities, ensuring diverse communities receive the support they need.

Media Career and Advocacy

Anita’s media career is equally impressive, marked by her role as a radio broadcaster for BEAT FM London from 2000 to 2008, where she was a Drive Time DJ, Presenter, and Producer. She gained national recognition as the face of Vodafone's Red Sharer family campaign (2014–2016) and participated in Channel 4’s documentary series "Mums Make Porn" (2018), where she directed an adult film to challenge the impact of mainstream pornography on younger generations. This project earned her the title "the sex-positive mum you all wish you had."

As a visiting lecturer, Anita has taught podcast and media skills, inspiring young people to consider careers in media. Her Broadcasting and Journalism workshops, including a live news production with Year 13 students, showcased her dedication to teaching technical skills and fostering critical thinking.

Entrepreneurship and Public Engagement

Anita is the Managing Director of Only Boys and Tomboys, a lifestyle brand she launched in 2012, which grew from a blog focused on fashion, food, and interiors into a popular platform with over 25,000 viewers. Through this brand, she engages in motivational speaking, addressing young people about life and career choices, and emphasises sex-positive parenting. Anita also hosts the podcast "Anita Whittaker and Friends", where she features women with unique and inspiring careers.

Personal Life

Anita has lived in Harlesden, Brent for most of her life, raising her four sons in the vibrant and diverse community that has deeply influenced her work and values. Her experiences as a parent in Harlesden shape her advocacy for inclusive opportunities and community wellbeing, making her a relatable and dynamic figure in both media and community development spaces.

From education and entrepreneurship to broadcasting and advocacy, Anita Whittaker’s work continues to bridge gaps, inspire collaboration, and empower diverse communities to thrive.